This varied thrush is in the same family as the robin, but for some reason we see them here more often in the winter or very early spring. I think this might be Mrs. Thrush.
Mr. Thrush, I presume? Either way, they are cooling their heels on the mound of snow that covers the top of a rhododendron. It seems Greedy Guts is hogging the feeder.
No one else can get near the suet block. I can just hear that starling calling from the feeder, “Eat your heart out.” Sure, the starlings are hungry too, but they don’t care if the other birds starve. I don’t like that.
100 Europeans starlings were introduced (unfortunately, IMHO) to North America in 1890-1891. Now the bullies are everywhere. Pests, they are. They do have a talent for mimicking other bird sounds, which makes them interesting, but still not lovable.
My pretty little thrushes, sparrows, chickadees, nuthatches, and juncos are afraid of the starlings and have to wait until he goes away to burp or take an antacid pill, before they can have a turn at the dinner table.
The starling’s coat is glittery
With iridescent shine.
His manners are atrocious,
But he’s master of the mime.
A very good post and nice pictures. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Henrietta. Glad you liked it.
LikeLike
The Thrush is really pretty. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My favourite is the Swainson’s thrush, similar to these – maybe not as bright. We rarely see them but we hear their beautiful song in the spring when they arrive here about May.
LikeLike
I agree the starlings are bullies and greedy too. I had to chuckle this morning, however, when a group of flickers showed up at the suet cages and scared the starlings off. Yippee! The varied thrush has only been hanging around my feeders now for about 3 days. So nice to see them again. Great photos, Anneli!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve had one flicker here and he is bigger than the starlings. Wish he would spend more time here. Glad you liked the pics, Sonja. You’ll have to get out there with your camera too.
LikeLike
How pretty 🙂
All we see around here ar alligators, snakes, iguanas and squirrels …….
Cheers !
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m not crazy about alligators or snakes, but I don’t mind seeing the iguanas or squirrels. We have only the squirrels here (from your list), but even those are few around our house. I hope they’re all sleeping until winter is over.
LikeLike
Haa,chubby birds. They sure are well feed
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or – it could be that they’re cold and have their feathers fluffed up to keep warm.
LikeLike
Spectacular. Full stop.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, David!
LikeLike
Lovely post and pretty pictures!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think the thrushes look so pretty against the snowy white background.
LikeLike
I just asked a fellow from Abbotsford if he thought varied tbrushes come to Vancouver Island. He was unsure. Now I have my answer. What types of seeds do they favour?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m guessing they like the suet more than just seeds. They’re thrushes so probably they like insects better than seeds, but I’ve seen them eating berries when they’re desperate. And yes, their range goes up the coast a little way past Vancouver Island – not too much farther though.
LikeLike
Oh my, your photos are stunning, Anneli.I’ve got to get your camera!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I really like the camera because it’s user friendly – great for beginners like me.
LikeLike
I think I’ve got it saved on my Amazon Wish List after you told me the name. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m really happy with it. Hope you’ll get one too, one of these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely shots. I didn’t know that starlings were such bullies.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, yes, they’re regular seagulls at the feeder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A charming post. I loved learning about the starlings. The photos were delightful. It does look cold but beautiful! Have a happy weekend. Stay warm!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Lori. Have a great weekend yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the photos and gosh, I envy you all that snow. We’ve only seen about 20 halfhearted snowflakes over here this “winter”. Thanks for sharing! XX
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aren’t you lucky!!!! The snow has been so deep and so long-lasting that it has been difficult to get around. Our road hasn’t been plowed for days and days, so we’re almost housebound except for the Captain’s valiant efforts to charge through the deep snow with our 4×4. My car is still resigned to the garage. The snow is starting to go, and I’ll be glad to see the last of it, pretty as it was.
LikeLike
The thrush couple is adorable and although territorial, I still love them! ❤ ❤ Cheers to the birds! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Robin. I really like them too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel guilty about shooing the starlings away from the suet, but they sure take it over so our smaller (and seemingly sweeter) birds can’t get at it. The starlings just look mean, you know what I mean? 🙂 Your photos are phabulous (I’m in one of those moods). xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hate feeding the starlings because I’ve seen them fly away with baby birds from other nests. So glad you think my photos are phab.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pretty birds. So bright and funny. They just live, and we enjoy to watch how they do it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wouldn’t it be nice if people could do that? Just live. Not get so tied in knots over things that won’t matter for long. I love watching the birds. They have the right idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful bird pictures Anneli, lovely to see! Too much snow this year. The birds appreciate your seeds to feed their little downy bodies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marsha. You know it’s snowing again!!!
LikeLike